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-   -   End of an era: Fernando Alonso to retire from F1 (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/intl-motorsport/200937-end-era-fernando-alonso-retire-f1.html)

Fernando Alonso announces that he will not be racing in Formula 1 for the 2019 season. A decision that was, quite frankly, expected.

Sad day for F1. Hope he finds happiness in Indy Car. Will certainly miss him.

Thats why they McLaren were 'shopping' so aggressively. He had informed them a while ago.

One veteran down, let's see what Kimi does. This will probably give Vandroone some breathing space. If he performs well in second half, maybe he can keep the seat.

Not an exciting way to end your F1 career! Probably one of the best drivers ever! Race craft was second only to Schumi and Senna! Calculative, and knew what he was doing in the track. But his years in F1 were surrounded by controversies, from McLaren 2007, to the Crashgate in Singapore and also the way he departed from Ferrari. And the final nail in the coffin was the tumultuous years he spent in the McLaren!
He was a driver who should have won more championships. Would have loved to see a straight battle between him, Lewis and Seb. Would have been Epic!

Sad to see Fernando leaving F1. Link for detailed statement - https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/h...d-of-2018.html
From silly season perspective, it is getting interesting and interesting. First Riccardo, then Strolls buying Force India and now Alonso moving on. Seats at all teams are open except Merc.

I don't think Alonso had any choice, he had to move on. The Mclaren was not going to get competitive in a hurry and the top three would not take him.

He has only himself to blame for his position, wrong decisions along the way and a bad attitude.

Cheers

Damn, the end of an era. This is the man who beat Michael Schumacher at the peak of his career....TWICE. But too many wrong team choices after his championships. I guess bad luck, bad choices & bad timing.

On the other hand, guys like Lewis & Kimi always find themselves in the right car at the right time :).

I really respect his driving ability, but never liked his attitude (which is why I never even came close to becoming an Alonso fan).

Whilst I gained senses around the time Schumi was rioting, I developed the interest to actually watch the laps and understand the mechanics behind it during Alonso's time.

His disappointment with the current team was pretty evident in the Team Radios and leaving now actually makes sense for him. But honestly, I was wishing RedBull would give him a chance in the F1 2019, a possible miraculous tie-up for both parties.


Source for below image : reddit.com/r/formula1

Not surprised by this, his only option was to continue in McLaren.
However good the driver he was, his biggest undoing was his attitude and it reflected in the choices he made and the results that followed. Won't be surprised if McLaren get back to podiums next year once he leaves! Not his fan, but he sure was a fierce competitor.

I feel it is a good decision from Alonso, considering his struggles in the past years with Mclaren and lack of opportunities with other competitors.

He is still not out of it completely. :D

I don't think he will be back as both parties (Mclaren and Alonso) speaking good of each other is just PR talk in my opinion. They don't want to wash any more dirty linen in public than what has already been done.

Behind the scenes I feel Mclaren must be pretty fed up of his drama and the insulting unnessary statements he was making. Plus, the kind of money they are paying him would be better utilized in car development.

Cheers

Biggest regret will be not seeing the best racing car driver world in the fastest car, he's never had that.

Frankly, I don't see McLaren returning to the top. They don't have the resources to fight at that level anymore.

Alonso could have been one of the greats. However career choices and luck made him a good racer, but nevertheless a multi millionaire! Can compare him to Andy Murray or Roddick.

Nice piece.

SYMONDS: AS DRIVERS ALONSO AND SCHUMACHER WERE SIMILAR
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/08...-were-similar/

Michael was much better with people.

A very sad day indeed. This decision was looming but i was seriously hoping and praying he would continue his stay in F1. I started watching F1 when he started at Minardi and have been following F1 & Alonso since then and became a big time fan of Nando. I rooted for him every race till now. Agreed, he has had his fair share of controversies due to his character and fiery nature, but he is champion material. His track record over his teammates is mind-blowing. I starting watching F1 mostly because of him and looks like my interest in watching F1 might fade away soon.
Best of luck Nando in Indycar or whatever you do. You Rock!!!